Communications and monitoring using a toy

ABSTRACT

A system includes a toy and a first mobile communication device received within the toy in electronic communication with the toy. The toy includes speakers configured to output audio based on audio or data received from a mobile communication device in electronic communication with the toy, a camera, and a plurality of articulated arms. The first mobile communication device includes software loaded thereon configured to communicate voice communications received from another mobile communication device to the toy for output via the speakers of the toy, to display, via a display screen of the first mobile communication device, a simulated mouth, and to effect movement of the simulated mouth during output of voice communications from another mobile communications device via the speakers of the toy.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a U.S. continuation-in-part patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 13/568,092, filed Aug. 6, 2012, which nonprovisional patent application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/515,192, filed Aug. 4, 2011, which provisional patent application is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The present application also incorporates herein by reference Exhibit A, attached hereto.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to communications and monitoring.

A need exists for improvement in communications and monitoring. This, and other needs, are addressed by one or more aspects of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context of a plush toy, the present invention is not limited to use only in this context, as will become apparent from the following summaries and detailed descriptions of aspects, features, and one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention relates to a plush toy docking station. The plush toy docking station includes a connection interface configured to connect to a mobile communication device; speakers configured to output audio based on audio or data received from the mobile communication device; and a camera configured to provide video to the mobile communication device for communication to a remote device.

In a feature of this aspect, the plush toy docking station further includes a microphone.

In a feature of this aspect, the plush toy docking station further includes a video screen.

In a feature of this aspect, the plush toy docking station further includes a processor, memory, and software configured to effect output, via the speakers of the toy, of a synthesized voice. In at least some implementations, the plush toy resembles a character or animal, and the synthesized voice represents or resembles a voice of the character or animal.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of communicating using a toy.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of monitoring a child using a toy.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a toy as disclosed.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus as disclosed.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a system as disclosed.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method as disclosed.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to software as disclosed.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a system. The system includes a toy and a first mobile communication device received within the toy in electronic communication with the toy. The toy includes speakers configured to output audio based on audio or data received from a mobile communication device in electronic communication with the toy, a camera, and a plurality of articulated arms. The first mobile communication device includes software loaded thereon configured to communicate voice communications received from another mobile communication device to the toy for output via the speakers of the toy, to display, via a display screen of the first mobile communication device, a simulated mouth, and to effect movement of the simulated mouth during output of voice communications from another mobile communications device via the speakers of the toy.

Another aspect relates to a system comprising a toy docking station including a connection interface configured to connect to a mobile communication device, speakers configured to output audio based on audio or data received from the mobile communication device, a camera configured to provide video to the mobile communication device for communication to a remote device, and a plurality of articulated legs, each articulated leg including a foot member configured for securement to a surface. The system further includes software stored in a computer readable medium configured to effect output, via the speakers of the toy, of a synthesized voice. The toy resembles a character or animal, and wherein the synthesized voice represents a voice of the character or animal.

In a feature of this aspect, the toy docking station further includes a microphone.

In a feature of this aspect, the toy docking station further includes a video screen.

In a feature of this aspect, the toy docking station further includes a processor and memory.

In a feature of this aspect, the software is loaded on the toy docking station.

In a feature of this aspect, the software is loaded on a mobile communication device connected to the toy docking station via the connection interface.

In a feature of this aspect, each foot member includes one or more suction cup members.

Another aspect relates to a system comprising a toy configured to connect to a mobile communication device, the toy including electronics configured for wireless connection to a mobile communication device, speakers configured to output audio based on audio or data received from the mobile communication device, a camera configured to provide video to the mobile communication device, and a plurality of articulated legs, each articulated leg including a foot member configured for securement to a surface. The system further includes software stored in a computer readable medium configured to effect output of a synthesized voice. The toy resembles a character or animal, and wherein the synthesized voice represents a voice of the character or animal.

Another aspect relates to a system comprising a toy docking station including a connection interface configured to connect to a mobile communication device, speakers configured to output audio based on audio or data received from the mobile communication device, a camera configured to provide video to the mobile communication device for communication to a remote device, and a plurality of articulated legs, each articulated leg including a foot member configured for securement to a surface. The toy docking station is configured to allow for display of a display screen of a mobile communication device connected to the toy docking station. The system further includes a first mobile communication device received within the toy docking station in electronic communication with the toy docking station, the first mobile communication device including software loaded thereon configured to communicate voice communications, received from another mobile communication device, to the toy docking station for output via the speakers of the toy docking station, to display, via a display screen of the first mobile communication device, a simulated mouth, and to effect movement of the simulated mouth during output of voice communications from another mobile communications device via the speakers of the toy. The system further includes software stored in a computer readable medium configured to effect output of a synthesized voice. The toy docking station resembles a character or animal, and wherein the synthesized voice represents a voice of the character or animal.

Exhibit A, attached hereto, and incorporated herein by reference, discloses additional aspects and features.

In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the present invention, it should be noted that the present invention further encompasses the various possible combinations and subcombinations of such aspects and features. Thus, for example, any aspect may be combined with an aforementioned feature in accordance with the present invention without requiring any other aspect or feature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same elements are referred to with the same reference numerals, and wherein,

FIGS. 1-2 illustrates an exemplary toy configured to connect to a mobile communication device which includes bendable, articulated arms;

FIG. 3 illustrates the toy of FIG. 1 with a smartphone disposed therein; and

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary toy that is configured to connect, via Bluetooth, to a nearby mobile communication device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.

Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6, no claim element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim element.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.”

Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.

One or more aspects of the present invention generally relate to a toy configured to connect to a mobile communication device, such as, for example a cell phone, smart phone, PDA, or other mobile communication device.

In some preferred implementations, such a mobile communication device can be removably received in, on, or at, or docked in, on, or at, the toy. In such implementations, the toy preferably comprises a connection interface configured to physically connect to a mobile communication device. The connection interface is preferably configured for connecting to a particular type, or types, of mobile communication devices via a connection port of such mobile communication devices. In at least some implementations, the toy may include multiple connection interfaces, and/or may include a connection interface having interchangeable connectors for connection to different types of connection ports of different types of mobile communication devices. In at least some preferred implementations the connection interface is configured for connection to a mobile communication device via a USB connection.

In some preferred implementations, the toy is configured to connect to a mobile communication device via a wireless connection, such as, for example, a Bluetooth connection or a WiFi connection.

The toy preferably includes one or more speakers and a camera, although in at least some implementations one or more of these may be omitted, and/or the toy may additionally include a microphone and/or a video display.

The toy is preferably configured to output audio received from a mobile communication device via one or more speakers of the toy.

In one or more preferred implementations, the toy further includes one or more processors and memory and software configured to effect output via the speakers of the toy in a synthesized voice. The output may be based on an input audio stream and/or an input text stream received from a mobile communication device. In some preferred implementations, the output may be based on modulation of an input audio stream.

In one or more preferred implementations, the synthesized voice represents or resembles the voice of a character the toy resembles. In at least some implementations, such software may be loaded on a mobile communication device connected, either physically or wirelessly, to the toy rather than on the toy itself

As noted above, the toy preferably further includes a camera. Video from the camera is preferably communicated to a connected mobile communication device via the connection interface, which preferably in turn can communicate such video to a remote device, which may comprise, for example, another mobile communication device.

In implementations including a microphone, audio input from the microphone is preferably communicated to a connected mobile communication device via the connection interface, which preferably in turn can communicate such audio to a remote device, which may comprise, for example, another mobile communication device.

In implementations including a video display, incoming video received at a mobile communication device connected to the toy can be displayed on the video display.

The toy preferably facilitates one or two way communication between a person disposed proximate the toy and a person disposed proximate a remote device in communication with a mobile communication device connected to the toy.

For example, in a preferred implementation, a parent connects a first smart phone to the toy, and places the toy proximate a child. The parent then establishes a connection between a second smart phone of theirs and the first smart phone. The parent is then able to monitor a video feed from the camera of the toy via the second smart phone. Further, the parent is able to speak and have his speech output via the speakers of the toy. In at least some implementations, this speech will be output in a synthesized voice resembling that of a character the toy resembles.

In one or more preferred implementations, the toy represents a plush toy. In some preferred implementations, the plush toy resembles or represents a character and/or animal.

Lastly, although described herein in the context of a toy, in at least some implementations an apparatus representing an inanimate object, but not necessarily a toy, includes various features disclosed herein.

In one or more preferred implementations, a toy configured to connect to a mobile communication device includes bendable, articulated arms. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary such toy in accordance with one or more implementations. The toy 10 includes a body portion 12, and a plurality of articulated legs 14 extending therefrom. A foot member is disposed at the end of each articulated leg 14. Preferably, each foot member includes one or more suction cups disposed on a bottom thereof. Such suction cups allow each foot member to secured to certain surfaces.

The toy 10 preferably includes speakers 16 disposed in top corners of the body portion 12. The toy 10 preferably further includes a camera 18 disposed within the body portion 12, with a lens pointing outward through an opening in the body portion 12, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

The toy 10 further includes a flap 20, which is configured to be repositioned to expose a receiving cavity 22 of the body portion 12, as illustrated in FIG. 2, in which the flap is illustrated in both a closed position (left) and an open position (right). A strap 24 or other gripping member preferably facilitates easy transitioning of the flap between such closed and open positions.

The receiving cavity 22 is configured to receive a mobile communication device, such as a smartphone, therein. Preferably, the receiving cavity 22 includes a connection interface configured for connection to such a mobile communication device received in the receiving cavity 22 so as to allow the mobile communication device to interact with electronics of the toy 10, including, for example, the speakers 16, camera 18, or a processor (not illustrated). In at least some alternative implementations, however, a mobile communication device can interact wirelessly with electronics of the toy, for example via a Bluetooth connection.

In a preferred implementation, a mobile communication device comprising a smartphone has software loaded thereon configured to sync via Bluetooth with electronics of the toy and/or with another mobile communication device.

In one or more preferred implementations, such software is configured to display, via a display of the mobile communication device, a visual representation of a mouth, and to simulate movement of such mouth during communications.

For example, in a preferred implementation, a first smartphone disposed within the toy 10 utilizing exemplary such software is in communication with a second smartphone. Voice communications from a user of the second smartphone are communicated to the second smartphone, and then output via the speakers 18 of the toy 10, and a simulated mouth displayed via the display of the first smartphone moves in conjunction with such output.

FIG. 3 illustrates the toy 10 having a smartphone 40 disposed therein (with a simulated mouth displayed on a display of the smartphone) in configurations in which the flap 20 is closed (left) and open (right).

Moreover, in one or more preferred implementations, the voice of the user of the second smartphone is electronically modified, either at the first smartphone, or by electronics of the toy 10, or both. In one or more preferred implementations, the voice of the user of the second smartphone is modified to correspond to the voice of a character the toy 10 represents.

Preferably, a video feed from the camera 18 of the toy 10 is communicated, via the first smartphone, to the second smartphone, where it can be viewed by the user of the second smartphone for monitoring of a child located proximate the toy.

In one or more preferred implementations, a toy might not be configured to receive a mobile communication device therein, and instead might simply be configured to connect, via Bluetooth, to a nearby mobile communication device. FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary such toy 110. The toy 110 includes speakers 116, configured to output voice communications from a user of the connected nearby mobile communication device, and a camera 118, configured to record a video feed for communication to the connected nearby mobile communication device (and/or stream such a video feed to the connected nearby mobile communication device).

The toy 10 and the toy 110 represent exemplary implementations of toys configured to connect to a mobile communication device. Exhibit A includes additional disclosure of additional implementations of toys configured to connect to a mobile communication device. The disclosure of Exhibit A is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

In one or more preferred implementations, a toy is configured for use in a vehicle. In some preferred implementations, physical characteristics of a toy are configured for securement to a car seat disposed in a vehicle for viewing of a display screen of the toy by a child disposed in the car seat. In some preferred implementations, a toy is configured for communications with an onboard computer of a vehicle. In some preferred implementations, a toy is configured to utilize, or communicate with, via a wired or wireless connection, one or more vehicle display screens, monitors, or computers, such as, for example, an in-dash display.

Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: (a) a toy docking station including (i) a connection interface configured to connect to a mobile communication device, (ii) speakers configured to output audio based on audio or data received from the mobile communication device, (iii) a camera configured to provide video to the mobile communication device for communication to a remote device, (iv) a plurality of articulated legs, each articulated leg including a foot member configured for securement to a surface; and (b) software stored in a computer readable medium configured to effect output, via the speakers of the toy, of a synthesized voice; (c) wherein the toy resembles a character or animal, and wherein the synthesized voice represents a voice of the character or animal.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the toy docking station further includes a microphone.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the toy docking station further includes a video screen.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the toy docking station further includes a processor and memory.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the software is loaded on the toy docking station.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the software is loaded on a mobile communication device connected to the toy docking station via the connection interface.
 7. The toy docking station of claim 1, wherein each foot member includes one or more suction cup members.
 8. A system comprising: (a) a toy configured to connect to a mobile communication device, the toy including (i) electronics configured for wireless connection to a mobile communication device, (ii) speakers configured to output audio based on audio or data received from the mobile communication device, (iii) a camera configured to provide video to the mobile communication device, (iv) a plurality of articulated legs, each articulated leg including a foot member configured for securement to a surface; and (e) software stored in a computer readable medium configured to effect output of a synthesized voice; (f) wherein the toy resembles a character or animal, and wherein the synthesized voice represents a voice of the character or animal.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the toy further includes a microphone.
 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the toy further includes a video screen.
 11. The system of claim 8, wherein the toy further includes a processor and memory.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the software stored in a computer readable medium configured to effect output of a synthesized voice is loaded on the toy.
 13. The system of claim 8, wherein the software stored in a computer readable medium configured to effect output of a synthesized voice is loaded on a mobile communication device connected to the toy via the electronics configured for wireless connection to a mobile communication device.
 14. The system of claim 8, wherein each foot member includes one or more suction cup members.
 15. A system comprising: (a) a toy docking station including (i) a connection interface configured to connect to a mobile communication device, (ii) speakers configured to output audio based on audio or data received from the mobile communication device; (iii) a camera configured to provide video to the mobile communication device for communication to a remote device; (iv) a plurality of articulated legs, each articulated leg including a foot member configured for securement to a surface, (v) wherein the toy docking station is configured to allow for display of a display screen of a mobile communication device connected to the toy docking station; (b) a first mobile communication device received within the toy docking station in electronic communication with the toy docking station, the first mobile communication device including software loaded thereon configured (i) to communicate voice communications, received from another mobile communication device, to the toy docking station for output via the speakers of the toy docking station, (ii) to display, via a display screen of the first mobile communication device, a simulated mouth, and (ii) to effect movement of the simulated mouth during output of voice communications from another mobile communications device via the speakers of the toy (c) software stored in a computer readable medium configured to effect output of a synthesized voice; (d) wherein the toy docking station resembles a character or animal, and wherein the synthesized voice represents a voice of the character or animal.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the toy further includes a microphone.
 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the toy further includes a processor and memory.
 18. The system of claim 15, wherein the software stored in a computer readable medium configured to effect output of a synthesized voice is loaded on the toy.
 19. The system of claim 15, wherein the software stored in a computer readable medium configured to effect output of a synthesized voice is loaded on a mobile communication device connected to the toy via the electronics configured for wireless connection to a mobile communication device.
 20. The system of claim 15, wherein each foot member includes one or more suction cup members. 